Using the 12-Sequence Structure to Build Your Story or Screenplay - A Workbook
A practical step-by-step breakdown of developing Character through Structure with a workbook you can actually use.
For almost 20 years now, I’ve been teaching a very specific 12-sequence approach to feature structure in webinars, workshops, and one-on-one consults. I’ve always kept the detailed breakdown behind the “room” wall - if you weren’t in class or on a call with me, you didn’t see it.
This is the first time I’m putting the whole feature-focused sequence breakdown in writing like this and making it available through Substack so you can keep it, return to it, and literally write from it.
This article is specifically about feature films. TV uses the same principles, but with different rhythms and repetitions, and we’re not going there… yet.
Think of this as a mini workbook:
First, I’ll show you all 12 sequences at a glance, so you can see the map.
Then, we’ll walk through each sequence with story purpose, character/emotional function, and development prompts (including how to work non-linearly using the anchor sequences: 2, 6, 9, and 12).
Before we dive in, I am STILL offering Black Friday/Cyber Monday discounts on my 1-on-1 coaching and consulting - 20% off any of my call packages if you sign up before the end of November.
I’m still accepting registrations for my Pro Screenwriting Lab (starting in January), and for the new and exciting Short Film Program and Retreat (first meeting on December 10…weekly meetings begin in April).
Both of which also have Black Friday/Cyber Monday discounts, BUT…you must email me to receive those discounts. You can still click those links above to learn all about these two new programs (January for the Pro Lab, and this coming December for the Short Film Program). I have a lot of details on my website about both, you can email me here: max@thestoryfarm.org
All of what you are about to read and study is the core of what I teach in my workshops and through my 1-on-1 consulting. Over the past 20 years of working with writers, ALL have utilized this 12-Sequence approach to development, and they have all come to a place of having a much stronger understanding of how all story works. And needless to say…their scripts have skyrocketed in viability, marketability, and readability.
The 12 Sequences at a Glance (Feature Version)
Assume a 100–110 page feature. Each sequence is roughly 7–10 pages (except Sequence 10). Don’t obsess about exact page counts; this is about story turns and momentum.
Anchor sequences: 2, 6, 9, 12 I will explain what this means as we go, but…
These are your major turning points and the best places to work non-linearly. Developing from a non-linear approach is essential so that you don’t feel as if you’re just painting by numbers. It is definitely not that simple.
I will first list each of the sequences with a very basic and general explanation of what happens in each, but then go into much more detail…
Note: I am mentioning page numbers next to each Sequence description. This is merely for reference-sake. DO NOT WRITE A 120 PAGE SCREENPLAY.
Like I said, for years this 12-sequence breakdown - especially the way it marries structure and character flaw - has only lived in my webinars, private workshops, and one-on-one development work. It’s the framework I return to again and again with writers who are working at a professional level or aiming to get there, and it’s how I develop my own personal projects. It works. I promise.
If you feel this might be helpful to you, then consider subscribing so you don’t miss the next installments.
By putting it behind the Substack paywall, my goal is twofold:
To give serious writers a reusable, keep-forever tool rather than a quick blog post they scroll past.
To make it sustainable to keep sharing this kind of deep-dive, development-ready material.
